How would a 10 channel amplifier work?

Question

For example, this amplifier: http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/products/42/98/405/SC-LX90/index.html

It has a 10 channel speaker output but you can't buy 10 speaker surround sound can you? Or if you can I don't know about it. Or would you buy two 5.1 surround sound speaker sets?

But I'm just wondering if you buy all your own speakers becuase it's not vital that you buy can actual 'set' of speakers.

Answer 1

10 channels doesn't mean that you have to provide decoded input for all the channels and run them all in one room.

Some such amplifiers are meant for big rooms where more than one speaker has to handle one channel.  Other such amplifiers have built in crossover networks and are meant for active systems.

The example which you have included shows in the specifications that it's capable of running two seperate home theater setups of 5.1 each. (Total 10.2 channels). It also provides Bi-Amping for all 5 channels. (another use for 10 channels)

With high quality amplifiers, it's usually better to buy speakers which 'can' be used as a set but not necessarily a 'set'. Such speakers from good labels are sold individually or in pairs and can be bought in whatever number they are required.

Answer 2

You'd buy the speakers seperately - it's mostly cheaper ones that come in sets.

10 speaker means 1 centre, 1 sub and 8 channels. So you'd buy a centre speaker, a subwoofer and four pairs of speakers.

Answer 3

Looked at the pics and it seems that there are 5 standard speaker connections, 5 surround connections and a spare. (phono sockets)

I'd assume from this that there are 10 channels but you would only use 5 depending on your connections.

Though don't quote me on it.

Answer 4

You can effectively use 5.1 set,particularly for pioneer set you must use the setup accordingly for best output.

Sudan

Answer 5

7.1 and 8.1 already exist, that's 8 and 9 channels, where the extra 2 channels in 7.1 are the side channels, and the extra 3rd channel on 8.1 is a center-rear.

There are some 9.1 setups available which add 2, instead of 1, extra rear channels, with the intention that the rear channels are fanned out more so that you have rear-side-left, rear-left, rear-right, and rear-side-right.

In the majority of situations you are going to be feeding those channels with pseudo sound sources achieved by processing the 5.1/7.1/8.1 encoded audio you have to start with.

Answer 6

A 10 channel amp works the same as any other amp. This one happens to have 10 separate channels of amplification. It can be used in several different ways. It can drive two 5 channel systems (with separate .1), one 10.2 system, or a bi-amped 5.1 system.

What do you want to do with it?